Erosion and Sediment Control.
§ 218-73. Erosion and Sediment Control.
A. Erosion and Sediment Control Plan Required. A soil erosion and sediment control plan shall be submitted as part of an application for Development Plan Review when any activity has a disturbed area proposed of more than one-half acre. Such plan shall contain proper provisions to prevent accelerated erosion and sedimentation and eliminate any increased stormwater runoff created on the proposed site. Plans for soil erosion and sediment control and stormwater management shall be developed according to this Section using the principles as outlined in the 1989 Rhode Island Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook, and the 1993 State of Rhode Island Stormwater Manual, as such may be amended from time to time. A soil erosion plan will be required for a single family residence when slopes exceed 15%. This soil erosion plan will be approved by the Building Official only prior to the issuance of a building permit.
B. Site Design Requirements. Site design requirements shall be as follows:
(1) All development proposals shall strive for maximum retention of the natural physical features of the site. Any outstanding physical features such as, but not limited to, the highest crest of a hill, natural low areas collecting stormwater, significant bedrock outcrops and significant glacial deposits shall be preserved.
(2) The proposed activity shall be oriented to the site so that grading and other site preparation are kept an absolute minimum. Development shall follow natural topography wherever feasible to minimize cutting, filling, and grading.
(3) Tracts shall be developed in workable phases on which all grading and stabilization can be completed within one construction season so that large areas are not left exposed during heavy rainfall duration.
C. Submission Requirements. A site development plan and a narrative description of the development shall be submitted with the application for Development Plan Review. Included in such application shall be all the requirements of ARTICLE XII, Development Plan Review and Land Development Review, and the following:
(1) Start and completion dates (2) Sequence of grading and construction activities (3) Sequence for installation of and/or application of soil erosion and Sediment control measures.
(4) Sequence for final stabilization of the site (5) The design criterion for proposed soil erosion and sediment control measures and stormwater management devices.
(6) The construction details for proposed soil erosion and sediment control measures and stormwater management devices.
(7) The installation and/or application procedures for proposed soil erosion and sediment control measures and stormwater control devices.
(8) The operations and maintenance program for proposed soil erosion and sediment control measures and the stormwater control devices.
(9) Any other information requested by the Planning Commission, the Town Planner or Building Inspector deemed necessary to complete review of the application.
(10) The estimated cost of all measures to be installed.
D. Completion Bonds Required. The estimated costs of all measures of an approved plan, shall be required to be covered by a cash completion bond to ensure the completion or restoration of any disturbed property. Said cash shall be released on the finding by and at the recommendation of the Planning Commission that the entire approved plan of the application has been entirely completed.
E. Placement and Maintenance of Control Measures. Site alterations shall not begin unless a development review plan has been approved by the Planning Commission or Town Planner for soil erosion and sediment control and storm water runoff. Site development shall not begin unless the soil erosion and sediment control measures and storm water control devices outlined in an approved plan are installed and are functional. All control measures and devices shall be maintained in effective condition to ensure the compliance of the approved plan.
F. Inspections. Inspections shall be made by the Building Inspector or his designee to ensure compliance with the approved plan. The permittee shall verify through progress reports that soil erosion and sediment control measures and devices have been installed according to the approved plan and are being operated and maintained. Additional measures may be required if proposed measures fail to control erosion and sedimentation and stormwater. The applicant shall be billed for the cost of all review and inspection fees, necessary administrative work and legal fees related to enforcing compliance with this Section. The Town Solicitor shall take such actions necessary to enforce compliance with this Section.